Liverpool transfer news: Scottish pundit issues ‘huge’ Ben Doak verdict after Celtic man’s claim
Alan Hutton has admitted Celtic starlet Ben Doak has a “huge decision” to make amid reported interest from Liverpool.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland defender admitted Ange Postecoglou may not be able to offer the pathway the 16-year-old is looking for due to the “high-pressure” nature of the Bhoys’ season.
As reported by the Athletic on Monday (14 March), Liverpool are close to poaching Doak from Celtic, with the Reds set to pay a compensation fee for his signing.
When probed about the youngster’s prospective exit, Ange Postecoglou told the Scottish Sun (14 March) “people think going down south is a reward or some guarantee of success”.
However, he claimed Celtic is a “great place” for players to reach their “goals”.
Hutton admitted it is a “difficult situation” for Doak to be in.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I totally understand the draw of the likes of Liverpool and how they bring players through. I totally get it.
“He’s only 16. I think it must be hard at Celtic and being the manager, seeing this 16-year-old, a great, talented player coming through the ranks.
“You want to get him the game time, you want to bed him into the first team but it’s difficult to do at such a young age.
“There are so many high-pressure games moving forward. You can’t just throw somebody in, just for them, hopefully, to stay. It doesn’t work like that. You have to be ready.
“It’s a difficult situation are in at the moment, and it’s going to come down to the player. Does he see a pathway and a future? Has he had those conversations with the manager?
“Or does he want to go and work under someone like Klopp in the Premier League? This is a huge decision he’s going to have to make. I’m sure he’s going to have to talk it over with his family to see what’s the best route for him.”
Doak, who is yet to pen a professional contract at Parkhead, has played twice for Celtic’s senior side to date.
In other news, pundit tips Celtic to offload big-name star after “hell of a deal” agreed.